Started with this inpiration board, results below!

There's so much value in planning ahead. Great photographers don't get lucky, they set an intention, create a vision, plan, and execute. 

 

My wonderful make-up artist, Jen Fisher, and I decided to collaborate on this creative shoot. Being one of my favourite shows, Mad Men provided our inspiration. And let me be clear on the 'inspiration' part. The goal was not to turn Jen into the spitting image of Christina Hendricks (although it's not that far of a stretch) but rather to use the aesthetics and styling of the show to inform our approach.

 

The best way to get this clear in your mind, and the mind of your model, stylist, retoucher and anyone else who might contribute to final product, is to create an 'Inspiration Board'. It's kind of like a storyboard, but you don't have to follow it quite as closely.

 

I'm pretty happy with the way it translated onto camera. I got a lot of the colours and textures I wanted, and Jen was awesome in creating a sombre mood. It also didn't hurt that she has that Joan-esque red hair!